What, oh what, has the world come to? I'll admit it; I like a good bargain just as much as the next person, even perhaps a little more, but correct me if I'm wrong: there really is no need to get violent. Someone should tell this to the angry, aggressive and sadistic sale-seeking individuals over the pond in America.
We've all seen the comedy skits: Rachel and Monica fighting in a tug of war at a wedding dress sample sale in Friends, the delicate Isla Fisher racing her way to the rails in blockbuster Confessions of a Shopaholic, but it seems these light-hearted jibes are being taken a little too literally. Last week, Black Friday descended into what can only be described as uncontrollable and dangerous madness; one woman used pepper spray against her rivals in LA to reach a reduced item before her follow shoppers, a man was tasered in crowds at an American mall and gunfire erupted at a North Carolina shopping destination.
Has it really come to the point where we're valuing the possibility of obtaining "things" and "belongings" higher than common decency and respect for other peoples wellbeing? Clearly the answer to this question is yes. What do you think is driving this insane behaviour? Is it the feeling of getting something no-one else is? Cheating the system so you can come out on top?
Today is officially Cyber Monday; the online equivalent to Black Friday which has caused many a UK and US retailer to release exclusive discount codes for 24 hours only (check out Catwalk Queen's rundown here). All I can say is thank goodness that the eager online shoppers will be sitting safely behind their screens during the promotions. At least we can sleep soundly tonight in the knowledge that the worst we'll have to face in the morning is a few broken keyboards or perhaps some dishevelled mouse mats!
